Liverpool will be hoping that the controversial penalty they conceded against Napoli on Tuesday night doesn’t cost them in the Champions League.

The Reds suffered a 2-0 defeat in Naples as the defence of their crown got off to a disappointing start.

But they were made to rue a controversial decision to award Napoli a penalty after Andy Robertson was adjudged to have fouled Jose Callejon inside the box in the 82nd minute.

There appeared to be minimal contact but referee Felix Brych pointed to the spot and his decision wasn’t deemed a clear and obvious error by VAR.

Dries Mertens scored the penalty and an uncharacteristic error from Virgil van Dijk allowed Fernando Llorente to make it 2-0 in the final seconds.

Jurgen Klopp wasn’t happy with the penalty decision, saying: “When the player jumps before there is contact then there cannot be a penalty. That was the game-changer.”

Clattenburg: Robertson fouled Callejon

However, there can be no debating that it was a penalty according to former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg.

Clattenburg believes Brych made the right call as Robertson made contact with Callejon’s thigh.

“Sorry Liverpool fans, but it was a penalty. Andrew Robertson committed to a tackle on Napoli's Jose Callejon inside the area with his wrong foot and made no contact with the ball,” Clattenburg told the Daily Mail.

“Once the tackle had been made, Robertson's leg was in Callejon's space and it made contact with the Napoli man's thigh.

“After German referee Felix Brych had awarded the penalty, VAR immediately checked to see if there was contact.

“Replays from several angles showed that was the case, so Brych's original decision stood. 

The right decision was reached and Dries Mertens put the penalty away.

Clattenburg’s words are unlikely to change the opinions of Klopp and frustrated Liverpool supporters.

The Reds will look to put things right when they host Red Bull Salzburg on October 2.